SWO Access to Space Request For Information
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), under the Department of Commerce, has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for "Access To Space" services for its Space Weather Next (SW Next) program. This RFI seeks industry feedback on procurement strategies and execution for launch integration, testing, preparation, and launch services for future SW Next spacecraft, including the SOLAR-A mission. Responses are due by March 5, 2026, 11:59 PM ET.
Purpose & Scope
NOAA's SW Next program aims to maintain sustained operational space weather observation capabilities. This RFI specifically targets "Access To Space" services, encompassing:
- Launch Services Procurement and Contract Management
- Spacecraft to Launch Vehicle Integration
- Co-manifested Payload Integration and Mission Specific Accommodations
- Launch Site Processing Facilities, Equipment & Materials, and Support
- Regulatory and Payload Safety Coordination The RFI focuses on future missions to L1 and GEO orbits, with specific interest in the SOLAR-A mission (launch in Q4 CY2029 to L1 orbit).
Key Information Requested
Industry feedback is sought on:
- Specific requirements for the SOLAR-A mission.
- Strategic and contractual feedback for anticipated SW Next missions (e.g., SW GEO).
- Contractor experience in launch services, payload integration, and bundled services.
- Proposed contract mechanisms and risk mitigation strategies.
- Rough-order-of-magnitude pricing for the SOLAR-A mission.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Set-Aside: Not specified
- Response Due: March 5, 2026, 11:59 PM ET
- Published: February 4, 2026
- Place of Performance: Greenbelt, MD, United States
- Contact: Maryann Orellana (maryann.orellana@noaa.gov)
Additional Notes
This RFI does not guarantee a future RFP or contract award. Potential future procurements may be direct contracts or through NASA/GSFC. NOAA is exploring bundled approaches where the "Access to Space" contractor and spacecraft contractor could be the same entity. The RFI includes detailed parameters for the notional SOLAR-A primary payload (650 kg) and potential co-manifested payloads (up to 2, 1000 kg total). Information obtained may be shared with other US Government agencies.